Deleno Township Committee meeting of February 2nd, 2026, beginning at 7 p.m. at the Deleno Township Municipal Building, 770 Coopertown Road, Deleno, New Jersey. We are recording. Good evening, everyone. Like to welcome you to the
township committee meeting February 2nd, 2026. I have a roll call, please. >> Mr. Mr. Bartlett >> here, >> Mr. McFaden >> here, >> Mr. Olette >> here, >> Miss Sus >> here, >> Mr. Fitzpatrick >> here. >> Also present, Mrs. Simmonro, our
township administrator, Mr. Fox, our township engineer, Mr. Heinhold, our township solicitor, Mrs. Russell, our municipal clerk, Mrs. Hart, our deputy municipal clerk, Mr. Fenomore, superintendent of public works, and Mr.
Warren, our police chief. Please join me in a flag salute to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation under God indivisible
with liberty and justice for all. Um, I think Scott wants to have a moment of silence. >> Yeah, I'd like to have a moment of silence for uh Steve Kangelo. Steve passed away unexpectedly last Tuesday. Although Steve lived in Edgewater Park,
he had a huge connection here in Delano. Uh Steve owned Unlimited Comfort Heating and Air. He had an incredibly large customer base here in Delano and you could see him at 7-Eleven getting coffee four, five, six times a day. Um, he was also a huge supporter of our Delanco
Youth Sports Association and Del Riv as a gold sponsor for many, many years as well as a donor to the fire department during our donation drive. So, we can have a moment of silence for Steve. Thank you. And I did go to his services
on Friday, Thursday last week and >> it was just a huge huge line. Just so many people there who love Steve and you know knew Steve through his work with the organizations or just contractors,
customers, the line was out the door. They came out in that eight degree cold weather. So that says something. Thank you, Kate. >> Certainly does. You're welcome. Um, >> Evan, would you read the sunshine statement? >> Of course, mayor. Please be advised that proper notice of this meeting has been
given in compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act in the following manner. Written notice has been mailed to the Burlington County Times and carrier post and published in the December 28th, 2025 editions. Written notice has been posted on the official bulletin board of the Township of Deleno at least 48 hours
prior to the meeting. Live stream statement. This meeting of the Deleno Township Committee may be transmitted via live stream on YouTube video. The streaming of the meeting is not intended to be relied upon as formal public access under Open Public Meetings Act and if the technology is disrupted for any reason, the township meetings will
proceed in person as an official meeting in accord with the official business. Please silence your cell phones and refer to the rules governing public comment attached to this agenda. >> Thank you, Ben. Uh this time I'd like to read a proclamation observing Black History
Month. Whereas each February, National Black History Month serves as as both a celebration and a powerful reminder that Black History is American history. Black culture is American culture and black
stories are essential to the ongoing story of America. our faults, our struggles, our progress, and our aspirations. And whereas across the generations, countless black Americans have demonstrated profound moral courage and
resolence to shape our nation for the better. And in the face of wounds and obstacles, including ins enslavement and segregation, perpetrated by the nation itself, black Americans led in every
part of society today, strengthening and uplifting all of the United States of America. And whereas America is a melting pot of cultures and authenticities, all part of the land of the free, Black
History Month fosters cultural awareness and understanding while encouraging education above contributions made by Americans of color. And whereas the celebration of Black History Month is a positive way of recognizing the culture
and history of African-Americans as vital to the core beliefs and values of our society. And whereas on behalf of the township committee and myself, we ask all township residents to join in carrying forward the work to build a beloved
community as described by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Our goal is to create a beloved community and this will require a qualitative change in our souls as well as a quantitative change in our lives. Now therefore, I, Kate
Fitzpatrick, mayor of the township of Delano, do hereby proclaim and observe February 2026 as Black History Month and encourage the local citizenry to actively raise their own awareness of Black History to
recognize the struggles, achievements, and contributions of black Americans through local Black History Month events. In witness whereof, the mayor, deputy mayor, and committee persons have caused this these presents to be executed and
sealed of the township of Deleno fixed the second day of February 2026. And now I understand that um Delran EMS has a presentation. The >> Chief Chuck Mcweeny right there. Come on up, Chuck.
Good evening. Glad to be here with you guys. Chuck Money from Del Emergency Squad. Like to just give you guys an update about what we were doing in 2025 as we're going into 2026. So you guys are aware of how we're servicing Deleno. Um for 2025, we've had a total of um
3,511 calls totally for Delan uh EMS. Total um 349 of those patients were treated from Delanco. um 83% of our call 83 calls were cancelled and then we had 93 refusals which mean we came reassessed and they stayed behind. We did um go to mutual aid 82 times while
we were already on a call in town. We did go to mutual aid 15 times because we were out of town providing mutual aid to another municipality. Um we all seem to uh we called Riverfront EMS a few ambulances across a very large mass property. So we try to take care of each other. Um we go our goal is to get out
the door within 2 minutes. Our scope, our average right now for Deleno is 90 seconds. Our response time is 10, but we're actually doing it about 8 minutes. 8 minutes and 10 seconds. Bedside time is about 10 minutes to 12 minutes. We want to be off scene pretty quick in route to the hospital. And that's about 12 minutes, and our our goal is about 20
minutes. So, we're doing very good with that. Uh, total times for calls for patients that are in Deleno are 46 minutes. But one of the unique things I'll tell you is the wall time, which is when we get to virtual willing or one of the other facilities, we wait 23 minutes to transfer the patient. Obviously when you know wintertime flu season stuff like that really backs us up and that's
when we rely on each other for covering our calls. Right now we're averaging about 9.5 calls per day for EMS services and uh Deleno and also Delran. All right. Um in 2024 we uh put Zo AD3 plus
in place or the newer high technology AEDs. 2025 we complement those with Lucas devices. Those Lucas devices are about $45,000. their mechanical CPR. Um, it's become the standard uh for CPR practice in the field. So, we had gone ahead and put those in place. We also uh
instructed uh 10 CPR instructors for our staff. So, 10 of the staff for our CPR. We're going to be doing community CPR outreach outreach programs every month at Delan. If you guys are welcome to host some, we can have them over here with you guys. Also, we also continue to partner with Virtual and Cooper for all of our education, making sure all of our
staff is trained for the most uh recent cardiology and trauma uh staff education stuff. And uh for 2025, our percentage of call volume that we budgeted or projected was 91%. We a little bit low, which is good mean people are taking care of themselves. I mean, safe, right?
Um and then our billable call volume was at 94%. So, while we did not hit 100%, we're doing very good. We're operating very lean. So, we just want to provide that information to you guys and make sure you guys know that we're here servicing you guys and if you need anything, please reach out to us and we're here for you.
>> How are we with getting um ambulance to staff? Because I remember last time when we were in here 24, I think when you gave the yearly update, it was uh a little issue with getting people to actually want to work. >> Still in there. [laughter] Still there. You want to work? Come on.
Um actually, you know, we were actually doing very well for about a year. Right after that, we did up our rates and uh we are back down to having two full-time benefit eligible positions open and there's just nobody applying. And this goes to Myers and Vincent, Willingboro,
you know, Beverly. We're all struggling endeavor uh to find staff. We are working with the department of health to get our EMT basic program back up and running in 2027 in Delran. And if that's the case, hopefully we can get 20 candidates that come through the class and they stay within this area and you know provide service to us. But still
tight with staffing. >> I think the biggest issue was you're all robbing each other to kind of >> build. We are absolutely somebody pays 25 cents more an hour they leave there. Um that's why we really invested in the full-time positions would benefit eligible and a very lucrative PTO program so they can have a lot of time off for mental health issues. Um but
again we are competing for the same small group of staff. There's very few people in EMS that work two jobs if not three four. So, all right. So, >> yeah. >> But yeah, so just wanted to provide that update to you guys. Thank you for the time tonight. And uh if you guys need anything, please let me know. All right.
>> Thank you. Thank you, Chad. >> Thank you. [clears throat] >> Okay. The meeting is now open to the public for comments and questions regarding agenda items session one. >> Hi guys. >> Hi John.
>> How are you? >> Hello. >> Just a quick question. >> State your name and address. Brown 313 peach tree here is the shade tree uh commissioner again this year. Uh quick point of order. You have a discussion item later on the agenda. >> Yes. >> Will I be able to speak or shall I speak
on the second open session? >> Will you call me for an opinion? >> Yeah. I mean, yeah, we're thinking of amending the appeal process, but yes, I would certainly let you speak. >> All right. Very good. Thank you. >> Anyone else? Okay. Okay, I'll close this portion of the meeting to the public and go on to
our comments and reports. Uh, township administrator. [clears throat] >> Thank you, mayor. I do have a few things this evening. Uh, starting with the unprecedented storm we just had. Uh, I just want to thank everybody for their patience. Um, especially thanks to
public works, John and his crew. Um, it was a very tough storm. I'm sure he's going to go into a little more detail. And I did want to remind everybody that um we do have an ordinance on the books to clear your sidewalks within 12 hours of daylight after the storm. We are well
past that and we've pretty much given a grace period because we do know personally and here how hard it was to get the sidewalks clear. So I just wanted to pretty much put everyone on alert that they're uh going around writing citations now starting today. We
did post it, but um you know, please get your sidewalks cleared, especially for the uh walking district that we live in and kids trying to get to school and and get through the uh the ice. Um second, I just wanted to one of the
uh items on the agenda is we have a shared service agreement with the board of ed. So, we've um worked out where we can share an employee to save money and both benefit from um this great guy that we just met today and he's already off
to a great start. So, um just wanted to bring up they're doing good things with the school that we're sharing and we're trying to come up with ways that we can maybe share more things and save money. Um the budget process is underway. So, I
received the budget requests. I'm starting to uh process everything. So within the next month, I'll be meeting with the different departments and then we'll have our meetings with township committee and and the departments and uh work that through. So as part of that,
there is an ordinance on the agenda this evening and it is um a bookkeeping entry. Every year the uh statutes allow for us to increase our um cap and it's not the budget, it's just a spending cap by a certain amount. This ordinance
allows us to go up to the maximum amount. Again, it has no implication on the tax rate. It just is um authorizes us for items that are within the cap that aren't debt related um to increase them so that we can match the services
that we want to continue to provide if need be. Um let's see. >> Can we do an ordinance every year? >> Every year. Yes. It's standard every single year. There are also resolutions on here for the uh playground at Babe Ruth. We did
receive $175,000 uh county grant that we are using towards playground equipment. So this will authorize us to use state contract to purchase the equipment. And finally, I will not steal the chief's thunder, but we do have a couple
of transfers on here resolutions for an officer leaving and an officer coming. Um, but I will let you chief get into more detail about >> Thank you. >> our uh staffing and that is it. >> Thank you. Um, it looks like the
professionals I skipped them. They weren't written here. So, I'll go to Harry first. Sorry. >> No problem. Thank you, Mayor. Um, I'll be very brief. There's not a lot going on right now um with the weather
anymore. Um but the >> I can't hear you, Harry. >> Thanks. >> Thanks. Um the developer has requested what he's
calling the final punch list. Um it may or may not be a final punch list depending on how it performed. Um, but what they want to do is they want to get a list and they're assuring us once again that they're just going to to do
everything on that list of bond. Um, we'll see that how that happens. >> Right. >> Again, the weather is holding up. I I was trying to have it done next week actually. Um, but it's impossible to do in this. >> Oh yeah, definitely. ation.
>> So, um that that will be uh coming out. Um the 2025 um love lake grant, that's the landing and school parking lot. Our design is complete on that. We'll be sending it. Uh we need one more signature, I think, from Ben will
coordinate that. Um and then we'll be sending that to state for their approval. They're usually two to three weeks turnaround time. Once he gets approval for that, then we I'll talk to to administrator Deborah and and see when we want to advertise it
and instruct it on that. But again, that just so the school knows to anybody here at the school board, the school parking lot in our specifications requires us to start after June. So that'll be done, it won't be done during the school year.
Um, and it would end inconvenience. And that's all I had. >> Okay. Thank you. Anybody have any questions for H? [clears throat] >> No. Okay. Uh, Doug, >> just want to give a brief update. Um, we
have an ordinance on for first reading tonight. So, we really won't be discussing it as part of the consent agenda, but I just wanted to make the public aware and just have a brief discussion about it. We we have a memo from Clark and Hints, our affordable housing planners, uh outlining sort of
the timeline that we have to act under. There's a deadline of March 15th. Um by introducing this ordinance tonight and adopting on March 2nd, it will be well within that timeline. It does require referral to the planning board which will happen tomorrow night. And
essentially, we are completely updating our chapter 58. It's not exactly like the way the storm water ordinances work where the state says here's your ordinance, go ahead and adopt it. But it's not that far from it either. Um the new regulations have come out and Mary Beth from Clark and Hence
was actually part of the group of planners who helped develop this ordinance for adoption. Um there are some things that are not changing. A lot is not changing. Some uh updates are being made. Um the ordinance covers
things like um phasing of uh inclusionary development uh more detail on unit types and bedroom mixes. Um an element that's uh important for what we're doing is extension of controls. I think because more towns are
because affordable housing is over 40 years old now. We're seeing extension of controls come up a lot more in towns. So there's more regulation and detail about how that is to be done. Um and uh development fees if somebody's doing a development commercial or residential
that has no affordable housing component built into it, how all of that works. Um again, we are in a great position in fourth round affordable housing. Um, in a lot of other towns around this time, you would see a lot of other ordinances
in place that have to do with actually changing zoning or, you know, reszoning a parcel to 100% affordable if that's what you're doing, those sorts of things. Because we have um units that we're just going to extend controls on and we have some bank units
from round three. We're not really creating any new affordable units. We're just extending what we have and making sure that that remains available. Um by again by introducing this tonight, we'll adopt on March 2nd, assuming everything goes according to plan. Um and that's
really the main action that the governing body has to do. Uh as opposed to some some other towns you might see around us that have a lot of other ordinances on to amend their zoning and do uh more aggressive, I would say, or more affirmative things to create more
affordable housing. Um, so we're in a great spot and because of the work that was done in the third round and because of the ability to extend controls and partners that are willing to work with us in that regard, uh, we we are in a
positive position. So, I just wanted to note [clears throat] that for tonight's meeting and that's really all I have to report. >> Thank you, Doug. Um, Chief, >> good afternoon. Good evening, everyone. [clears throat] Uh for January uh we had a total of 14
police cases. Uh there were 37 motor vehicle uh summones issued with 108 motor vehicle stops and there were 720 calls for service. It's funny between yesterday being the first and today
around 1:00 we already had 48 calls for this month. So these guys are they're running a total of 768. Um so they're often a lot especially with the storm they were just busy and a lot of the calls that uh Delan advises about our officer respond to all those first. So
we're literally the first there waiting the arrival of uh our squad. So yeah they're been very busy. So >> yeah I guess so. >> Yeah. But um we actually were fortunate to be hiring our first female officer.
>> I know Jasmine Picar. coming from Riverside. Um, and Patrolman Jackson, who we picked up last year, uh, he felt that Beverly was a better place than fit for him. So, we were able to make and facilitate that without being a
detriment to our process right now with obtaining 16 officers. Um, we're waiting for the certification of the current civil service list. Once that's complete, uh, we have an officer that we're going to be picking them off of that. So, we'll be able to reach our level of 16. So, we're not going to
believe that. and cause and undo stress on the officers again. So, we're definitely moving in the right direction, but excited about Jasmine coming over. She's seven-year vet and solid officer. So, >> she's going to fit in nicely here. >> That's good. >> And what about Officer Hersfield? Isn't
he coming back soon? >> He's back. >> Oh, he's back. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Oh, good. >> Yeah, he came back the 1 of January. So, he's finally back. Yeah, he was gone for >> two and a half years. >> So, yeah, he's finally back. He was on deployment. So, >> I guess he's probably glad to be home. >> Yeah, he is. >> Yeah. Yeah, he is. That's good.
>> Definitely. So, but uh that's it for now. >> Thank you, Chief. >> Thank you, >> John. How about [laughter] >> It's been really quiet at public work. >> Yeah. Yeah. [clears throat] I've been here a long, long time. And I'm telling you what, >> no.
>> I've never seen snow like this in the last You always got some kind of a break where it warms up and melted so you can move it. It's not going anywhere. And I've been out with the loader. I'm clearing spots in. Uh I've wore the
blade down as far as I can wear it down without getting into the metal. So tomorrow that will be getting fixed. But the first storm we plowed two times and we put saw it out two times. Um we plowed the county the second storm seven
times and saw it four times. Now, the most important road for us to keep clear is the county roads and the second is the fire because the fire can't the police can't get nowhere without the county roads to get to somewhere. So,
that's what we usually try to do first. Um, we did the schools a couple of times. We did the firehouse. We did here. I did everywhere and just going back and forth. Uh then we started having trouble with the windshield
wipers. We went through over a dozen windshield wipers because the snow was powdery and as soon as it hit the windshield, it froze because of the warm windshield. So everybody's windshield wipers getting
ice on it and flying off and it was just a fiasco. We had one of our dump trucks go down, but we got that fixed with the snow plow and also the old pickup truck that was mine. Uh, like I say, we've been using the loader to try to get
around and keep the the thing getting things back and and we'll be working to get everything back. Um, the next big problem we're going to have is getting the storm drains open if we
can find the storm drains. But that's going to be our biggest challenge to try to keep working and get them open and hopefully that the snow will melt at a longer period of time instead of melting all at once because if it does, we're
going to get flooded out like you're not going to believe. But anyway, over the past storm, we traveled with our trucks or our vehicles over 1,500 miles. >> Okay, that's 1500 miles.
That's that's a lot of covering ground and and you know going over streets and it was just a very very difficult storm to try to get ahead and you just had to stay with it. Uh we got to get back out. I know we
didn't do a good job on some of the streets but the problem the biggest problem is where do you put the snow? >> Yeah. >> You know that's the biggest problem. Where do you put it? you know, and you don't want to make anybody mad cuz we made a lot of people mad and they showed
us with their hand signal. So, you know, but uh anyway, uh like I say, we're staying with it and uh uh um, you know, it was just a long draw out thing and uh I'm still tired and
it just, you know, you just got to keep going and try to get the streets clear and somebody has a problem. I've helped out a lot of people getting their cars out and uh I got into um River's Edge and if you would like to take a ride up
there and think that you got a problem, see all the parking that isn't there and where do you push the snow? It's just unbelievable. >> Yeah. >> Where do you push the snow? So, um, like I say, I'd like to apologize if I didn't
get around, but we're still trying to get around. And if somebody had any problems, just give us a call. We'll I'll get out there as soon as I can. >> You did you did the best you could, John. You're >> You did a great job. >> Tough circumstances. >> Consider Yeah. >> Thanks to all you.
>> We all We all did. Yep. >> And John, one thing you mentioned, uh, you know, where do you put the snow? And I've heard from numerous people, just dump it in the creek or the river. Makes common sense. We we actually talked about that on the county OEM coordinators call and we had specific
guidance from the New Jersey D that basically said don't >> um >> you got to have a designated spot to put snow. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> You can't just put it because years ago ours used to code and Union Avenue, you
know, when we didn't have that fence there. >> Yeah. >> No, no, no. You can't do that. But we can put out a million tons of salt, >> which nobody has any salt now, >> right? >> If the state get the number one draw from the salt. So unless the state
doesn't get their then the rest of us get the scraps. But >> So are we out of salt now? >> No, we're not out. >> Okay. Because the governor did call me and wanted to know what we need. >> Actually, we put out over 48 tons this time. the two past storms. So, and we've
got one truckload. We were we ordered two. One was supposed to go cuz I keep sawed Edgewater and I keep sold at our building over in Delran. And uh just for one truckload is $1,500. >> Wow.
>> Well, thank you, John. >> Thank you. >> Anybody have any questions for John? >> How about the compost? Did you do anything with that? [laughter] >> Little frozen. I guess that's present. >> I was thinking of getting up there
because it would be an ideal time to to >> drench the leaves >> because, you know, you have to get them wet and that would be good, but I I I'm not going to get there for another two weeks probably. [clears throat]
>> That when that snow eventually melts, that'll wet those leaves, John. >> And ice. Yeah, >> I just we've had one other storm where it was big and it took a long time to get away. You know, every day it gets
over 32, a little bit goes cuz uh it it it's just, you know, it's going to take a while for it to melt. And if we get that real >> hot, you know, warm day, I know hot, but you know, that that'll melt real quick and then we're going to have a problem.
I don't think we're going to have any real real warm days in the next week or two. Maybe 33 tomorrow. >> One one of the one of the the weirdest things was my wife said to me, she says, "I think you need to get home because I
don't know if you're going to be able to get in the front door on Lincoln." You got to be kidding me. >> Yeah. >> And when I pulled up, I had 4 foot of snow. four foot of snow at my front door. My roof pitches so much and I
guess it got and it just and I I'm like, are you kidding me? It took me almost 20 minutes to get in the front door after working all all the time. >> Oh, wow. >> I think your wife put it there just to not let you in [laughter] >> to keep me out.
>> Exactly. >> Thank you, John. >> Uh, do you have anything to report? >> I do. Okay. Uh January of course is a busy month in the course department with pet licensing and this year we switched to a new system. So any residents that
came in in the first couple of days probably had four or five of us um working on you at the window. But we did uh manage to learn the process and I think it's uh it's been it's been well gone well for residents as well as being able to take credit card payments now I
think has been a big help. Um, it is a state law that all dogs have to be registered by January 31st. And it is our local law that cats as well. So, if you have a pet that um you haven't come in and renewed their license, you probably will be getting a late notice.
Um, and we do ask that you come in and get that taken care of as soon as possible. Um, the other big news in the township is our trash day changing for half of us. Um we were as as you've all been briefed, we were uh approached uh late last fall by Interstate Way
Services with a request to split the route into two days um per week um with one half of the town, excuse me, being on Wednesday and the other on Thursday. And the reason for doing this was staffing and equipment resources and for greater efficiency. So they ran all
through the month of December. They were running uh test runs keeping uh running two trucks but keeping them separate in the way they wanted to cut the town in half and found out that it was working very very well. So basically we're splitting the town in two halves with Burlington Avenue as the center point.
Um, one half of the town will be uh Thursday collection and it's going to be the even numbered side of Burlington Avenue and homes on the Delaware Riverside as well as the crossings um just to kind of even out the numbers and then the homes and businesses on the
oddnumbered side of Avenue toward Coopertown and Creek will move to Wednesdays and that includes Newton's Landing and the Point at Newton's Landing. Appliance and metal pickup will be the first and third week uh on the same day as your trash day collection and recycling which is we have no
control over that's the county will remain on Thursdays for everyone. So we're doing a big push now to advertise uh social media through various um outlets that that we have available to us um email blasts and our website and flyers and we're working on a mailer to
go out to all the residents. So, um, one thing Interstate Waste Services did say is they will work with us. Um, it's going to, this is all going to start March 1st, by the way, the first week in March. Um, so if somebody is a Wednesday now and they forget to put their trash out, they are going to have a truck
available that will come around and pick up. So, um, you know, it's there'll be a little bit of growing pains, but I think it's going to it's going to work out well. I think we'll have less vehicle breakdown and better efficiency going forward. So, >> good. And that's about it out of the
parks department. >> Thank you, Township Committee. Carolyn, thank you. Uh [clears throat] January was a busy month. I attended the car show subcommittee meeting in the middle of the month to go over uh plans for our
Centennial Car Show, which is on Saturday, May 16th. Uh registration's now open on delankosentennial.com for vendors, uh cars, and also for sponsorships. So if you have a local business and you want to sponsor, the
registration is now open. They attended the recreation reorg meeting and um Al Greyb is reappointed as chair and Tony Bartlett is the uh co-chair. They went over their meet their events for the year and appointed subcommittees and
also um question >> also talked about the centennial events and how that's going to uh go moving forward with the subcommittee. I attended the Del Ribb meeting. They're doing quarterly meetings now at the DFW and Del Raman, but I think they're actually thinking about coming back to
Deleno for their meetings. Um, everything is pretty much on schedule. Same board. They're opening, the registration is open now for softball and baseball. They talked about soccer needing a new commissioner, but they are um moving forward with basketball. Their
numbers are down about 100 kids year-over-year. um that for basketball they blame that on the kindergarten and preschool group. Uh a lot of times uh kids will come here from other towns because they don't have that age group. So that's kind of where the drop off comes. But the uh program
is operating well. I attended my first tree meeting. Uh had their reorg uh John Brown is the chair and Amber Pearl Mutter is the uh co-chair for the first time. Um they voted to take down two trees and they also went over their
list for the year which is pretty small for removals and trimmings. John did a great job last year uh cleaning up that list and Jessica does a nice job as our secretary to keep everybody organized and on track. So that's working out really well. I also attended the 250th
subcommittee meeting with Delran and Riverside on the 22nd to go over the uh 250th events that are going to be throughout the three towns. The weekend of 626, 27, and 28th. Uh Deleno's event
is on 628. Uh right now we have a band booked, a legacy band, uh ninepiece band that's going to have a stage. We have uh food trucks, games, lots of fun things. We are going to be booking a free Kona ice truck. lots of family events and more to come on that to tie in a little
bit of Deleno's history. So that is on Sunday, June 28th. And I think that's all I have. >> Good. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Um or no, Scott, sorry. >> Sure. As Carolyn said, it was a very busy month. Uh you may have heard we had
a winter storm the weekend before last. I spent the prior week and the many days after handling the OEM aspects of the event, the office of emergency management, of which there were many. Uh we had numerous calls with the county coordinators during that time and
countless emails which I'm sure you all have received from me uh with the various updates. Uh, it was a very tough storm to deal with as John mentioned with all the ice and all the freezing temperatures, but we lucked out there wasn't more icing on the power lines and
the trees and that would have uh been a big mess out there. Um, and as you may know, the groundhog saw his shadow this morning, so we may get to do it again. Uh, currently I'm working on the FEMA
reimbursements. Thank you to Debbie for sending me all of that, which I'll route to the county. And you know, I I saw the numbers for our town. They're high for a small town like us. I can only imagine a larger town like Cinnamonson, Mount Laurel, Marlton, EAM um for their cost
for this sort of storm. So, it's kind of eye opening. I attended the board of ed reorg meeting on January 6th as well as their monthly meeting on January 21st. Eric Moss is the president again this year. Uh, the district hired a few bus
drivers and eliminated the shared services agreement with Morstown for transportation, which I believe was stated would save about $100,000 a year in costs. Uh, the student of the month awards were given out at the January
21st meeting and the teacher of the month was Miss Rebecca Charmer, the prek teacher extraordinaire. And I'm not sure if I mentioned at last month's meeting, uh, but the number was given again at the last board of ed meeting, they
raised 18, the PTO raised $18,660 from the, uh, basket auction that was held the first week of December. So, nice job to them as always. And speaking of fundraising events and the school, I attended the Russell Russell Palooa by
the river fundraising event that was held at Walnut Street on January 9th. It was a great turnout and everyone had a terrific time. And the school was also hosting another fundraiser fundraiser entitled Stuck on You, a Valentine's Elvis show on Valentine's Day, of
course, featuring an award-winning tribute artist performing as Elvis. And information on that should be on the district's website and Facebook pages. Uh the next board event meeting is February 18th at 700 p.m. And just want
to mention the incredible job of just all the uh coordination and open communication between Dr. T and Debbie. Uh finally [clears throat] getting, you know, everything worked out between the town and the district and
just good communication which we haven't had that well in the past. Um, on the fire department side, I attended the fire company meeting uh last Monday and the fire commission meeting the next night. Uh, Bruce Herpst is now the president of the fire company for this
year and the fire commission appointed Nick Hubler uh to the seat vacated by the passing of John Zuber last year. Uh, normal business occurred at the meetings. We're still asking for volunteers to join. And I don't want to say we're hurting for volunteers, but
we're hurting for volunteers. So if anyone is interested, go to delankoff fire.com, fill out an application, and it's not just a Delanco thing. That's a New Jersey and countywide thing where, you know, people just don't want to volunteer anymore. And you heard, you know, Chief Mweeny talk about EMS with
and they're paid. They're a paid squad and he's having trouble getting people to work. So, you know, you can imagine from the volunteer side. Um, one last thing that's semifire department uh related. One of our fire police officers, George Lynn, had a birthday over the weekend. I attended his 30th
birthday party at Dunies. Um, George was diagnosed with autism at age three. And in addition to his full-time job at Wegman's and volunteering with various organizations, including the fire department, he travels speaking about his disability and early intervention
and the impact of supported employment. Uh there was a feature on him that 6ABC had. I think it was back in November. And he's just one hell of a nice guy. So happy birthday, George. And each and every one of us could learn a lot from George. Uh finally, uh I'll give a
little self-promotion here. February 26th, I was invited by the library to do a presentation there. Uh I had wrote a book on genealogy last year that was put out there. So I'll be doing a presentation on genealogy and DNA. So,
uh, if anyone is interested, uh, go to delankol library.org. Is that it? Yep. Delenol library.org and you could register and get information on that event. That's all I have. Thank you, Mayor. >> Oh, thank you, Scott. Um, turn,
>> I'll stay with the library. Uh, a lot of things are happening over at the library this month. Uh, let's see. On Saturday, February 7th, 10 a.m., they have a sewing at the library. Tuesday, February 17th, 7 PM, they have their book
discussion group. Uh, Saturday the 21st from 11 to 1, family building day. I think it has something to do with Lego blocks. Uh, and then Scott already uh gave a plug for him, but I had it in my notes also.
>> You can give it again. >> Okay. th [laughter] Thursday, February 26 to 6:45 to meet the author. Uh M. Scotlet Scott. >> Good try, B. >> Scott Bartlett. Um [laughter]
Search Angels and Strangers. >> Search Angels and Strangers. Yes. >> Uh see the the library also has uh take and make uh they have a variety of small crafts that are available each month. Uh again, with the weather the way it is,
uh if you got little ones that are looking for something to do, stop by the library and get uh one of the crafts. Uh let's see. Then I'll go to the history board. Uh we had the uh CHP grants uh from
Burlington County. And uh the 2025 project uh has to do with uh our map and uh Peter will give a presentation on that a little bit later in the meeting. Uh and then the 2026 CHP grant uh the
history board was awarded $6,861 uh towards the stabilization uh to conserve our sneakbox boat. uh a little bit shy and Peter may talk touch on that a little bit later also. Uh let's see
and history board is still working on the veterans banners program for this year. Uh let's see uh with GIF our joint insurance fund uh Aaron Pravisano uh who's one of our clerks here uh she
was appointed to the executive committee and is also under the safety committee. uh cyber she's a cyber representative for the uh the GIF group. Uh let's see a reminder for elected officials training
uh do the course we get to save uh or we get a credit of $250 per uh committee person and I believe the administrators uh included in that also. So, if you
haven't gotten that done, if you could do that, that'll help save us some money. And put on your calendars uh the GIF safety breakfast uh I think that's public works and police department and uh the committee uh March Sat or
Tuesday, March 31st. Just a heads up on that one. Uh let's see, >> county commissioners meeting. Uh they uh commissioners approved lowering the speed limit on Coopertown Road
between the tracks and Burlington Avenue. They were dropping that five miles per uh I think from 35 to 30, >> I believe. So yes, that's what they said. >> Uh so that's coming. But they were doing that through their public works department. Uh >> that's what they said. Yeah.
>> Yeah. I'm getting up on it. That'll be coming. another from Pennsylvania to I believe to Bro. >> Yeah. Pennsylvania Avenue to Burlington Avenue. Yeah, that was requested by the um the crossing guards. So, I'm glad they did that.
>> Uh let's see. And then uh we attended court and I'll let uh or I'll ask Mr. McBaden to share that because I had to cut out uh before the court session was over. And that's all I have. Mayor, >> thank you.
Yeah. >> All right. I'll make mine short because most of mine combines with Carolyn's. Uh January 6, I attended the joint land use reorg meeting. Uh Tom Lord was voted as chair and of course Beverly Russell was
voted as board secretary. Uh the applications were put on hold until the February 3rd meeting. Uh and they'll be addressed then. January 8th, they attended the recreation reorg meeting. And like
Carolyn had mentioned, congratulations to Al Greyb and Tony Bartlett uh for chair and co-chair. And we do have a lot of events coming up. Please keep your eye out for
different things. If you want to volunteer to help, it's always appreciated. Um 13th and the 14th I met with the for the car show discussion.
Uh 15th was the centennial. We discussed the parking bands and the rides. And then the 21st we attended the court session as Mr. had said. Um
the two groups that were supposed to attend the joint land use board uh postponed till this month coming up the February meeting uh court date
and uh and like Fern did at towards the end I had to run out to run the Walnut Street school to attend the school board meeting and uh that's it for me right now. >> Thank you. Um, I attended recreation and
the board of ed meeting, so I won't go over those again, except I will mention that at the board of ed meeting, uh, student awards were highlighted and Phil's grandson, Erin's son, Maverick, was presented with a student of the
month award. So, that was nice. Um, so the seniors met on January 13th. Uh the guest speaker was Helen Weinstein from Riverview Estates and she spoke about the Riverview and many of the activities and events held there uh for not only
residents but for the general public. Uh and their next meeting is February 10th at the firehouse. Uh sewer authority met on January 13th as well at uh town hall. Officers for the new year were discussed. Uh they'll
be decided at our meeting um this month. Uh contractor finally received the county permits for the TV in inspections and the operator's report is on file. Our next meeting February 10th. I did attend the trash collection meetings uh
along with Phil and uh our staff and public works. and the backyard hens had their meeting on January 23rd and we're updating records and um waiting for some information from the clerk's office to
see if everybody's on board this year. And that's all I have. Oh, we did do I did a a wedding um one wedding so far this year and that's always a pleasure. So, uh now I'd like to move on to the consent agenda items. Uh consent agenda
items are considered to be routine and will be enacted with a single motion. Any item requiring discussion will be removed from the consent agenda. All consent agenda items will be reflected in full in the minutes. Does anyone have any
item to be removed or I think they're pretty basic actually now that one and two were clarified. May I ask one question on 2026-47 on the resolution for Babe Ruth uh park
design? Uh was that for the entire park or is that just for the uh I guess the playground area? >> It's just for the playground. That's actually I think that's Oh, this is 48. >> It's for ordering the equipment through state contract, >> right? And that's Debbie mentioned that
in her report. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. Ordinance 20261, an ordinance of the township of Delanka to repeal and replace chapter 58 fair housing and chapter 60 section 3
development fees. First reading by title only and set public hearing date for March 2, 2026 at 7 PM. Ordinance 20262, calendar year 2026, ordinance to exceed
the municipal budget appropriation limits and to establish a cap bank uh according to NJSA4A 4-45.14. First reading by title only and set public hearing for March 2, 2026 at 7
pm. Resolution 38 to amend employment contract with superintendent of public works. Resolution 39 appointing Julia Edmonson, chief financial officer as qualified purchasing agent. Resolution
uh 40 transferring Jiren Jackson to the city of B Beverly. Resolution 41, hiring Jasmine Vicaro, transfer from Riverside as police officer. Resolution 42, approving shared service agreement
with Dano Public Schools for building maintenance. Resolution 43, authorizing Burlington County Division of Mosquito Control to conduct aerial larvae adult mosquito control activities and authorizing execution of municipal
agreement form. Resolution 44 authorizing the township of Delano through the Township of Delano Police Department to participate in the Defense Logistics Agency Law Enforcement Support Office uh 1033 program to enable the
Township of Delano Police Department to request and acquire access um access Department of Defense equipment. Resolution 45, dispose of out of service police equipment.
Resolution 46, authorizing professional services of engineering, design, bidding, material, testing, DOT reporting, inspection, and contract administration for 2026 New Jersey DOT municipal um aid road program. I believe
that's Hickory Street, Harry. >> That's correct. >> Yeah. Uh resolution 47 authorizing professional services for Babe Ruth Park Design uh specifications and submittal services. Resolution 48 authorizing
professional services for Babe Ruth Park design specifications and submitt title for that one. >> That's the same thing, right? >> Yeah, it's the same. >> That's the wrong title. It's actually that extra one that I put in your package. >> Okay. It's authorizing the purchase of
playground equipment under ESCG cooperative purchase purchasing contract in accordance with NJSA4A colon 11-1 seek uh approve payment of bills in the amount of 1,924,861.34
cents as per the bill list runs dated January 26 and February 3, 2026. Six. Approval of the consent agenda. Is there a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Got Bartlett and Phil McFaden. Roll
call, please. >> Mr. Bartlett. >> Yes. >> Mr. McFaden. >> Yes. >> Mr. Olette. >> Yes. >> Miss Seuss. >> Yes. >> Miss. >> Yes. Um correspondence. Beth, >> I did receive uh one letter um which is also part of your discussion for later
this evening. Um, on January 8th, we received a letter from Ryan Walter, Delanco resident, who is interested in volunteering, uh, for the recreation commission. >> Okay. Um, while we're there right now, I mean, um, I was at the recreation
commission meeting. Harold, uh, several were there and they discussed that and they, uh, recommended that he be appointed, uh, this alternate position. So, uh, if any does anyone have any questions or concerns, I think we could just do a motion to approve his
appointment. >> I'll make a motion. >> Okay. >> Second. >> Um, do we do a roll call for that? >> We can. Okay. And all in favor? >> All in favor is good then. All in favor? >> I. >> I. >> Okay.
All right. Um, so before I open the meeting to the public, I'd like to ask Peter and John to come forward and talk about the uh the map and anything else you want to add from the history board. >> Thank you.
I'm John John Nardone, 625 Second Street and chairman of the history board. About a year or so ago, Peter acquired this map which was by Richard Wilmerton. The original layout of the town with the lots and everything, the streets all
laid out uh was done in 1856. The uh Newton's Landing Historical Society had it and they're disbanding. So, they offered it to us. With the support of the committee, we went to uh the county and requested a
grant to have it restored. It was in pretty good shape, but it was rolled up. And if you ever seen any of those old uh TV shows where they can't unwrap something because it's so old they try to break in it. That's what the problem is with this. We took it to the uh
conservation center in Philadelphia. They had it almost a year, but they unwrapped it, they mounted it under glass in that case, and they put they preserved the paper so that it's really in good shape. And it was it's been a
real success for us. I think they did a really good job. And I when Peter gets up to tell you more, I'll uh show it to you. >> Okay. >> Do we have a spot for it where we're going to hang it? >> We're thinking we're thinking either
here or the library, but we're open to suggestions. >> I'd like to see it here. >> Yeah, it would be nice to have it here if we can find a nice place for it. Let's >> see. I I think that's a good spot for it, though. >> Yeah. Good.
>> Okay. Peter Fritz, 303 Union Avenue. And uh John did a pretty good job there. Uh once you get a chance to take a look at it, we um you understand that Delanco was a planned community.
>> This was uh farmland. and Richard Wilmerton uh inherited the land from his family and determined that it had more value as a town than it did in raising corn and peaches. So he laid out the um in about
1856 he laid everything out that everything was surveyed and um what we have found is the town was built out almost exactly the way that they had laid it out in 1856. Uh, one of the nice features of this map
is that uh that it the detail level. I've seen similar maps before, but the detail of this is really wonderful because it identifies certain areas of town that were designated for certain things. For instance, the civic center, which we sometimes call the village
green, which is that large lot behind the Walnut Street School, was designated on that map as being public space, and it has been public space since that time. Um, and all of the lot numbers
both for Delano that were laid out by Richard Wilmerton and also the area along the Delaware River had a different numbering system. They their numbering system was in Roman numerals. The other one was in Arabic numerals. And so we
know what the the exact lot numbers are um for the the whole town. And that's helpful because some of our old deeds still refer to the Wilmerton lot numbers. Sometimes they'll give two different numbers, but they'll often give the the Wilmer to lot number. And
it's uh nice that we can connect that to what what these areas were in in those times. Anyway, we were pleased that we were able to get a grant. Last time I was um up here, I mentioned that we part of the grant was these books, which are
uh self-guided tour books of our historic riverfront uh area that was uh recommended back in uh 1976. And uh we've had these out now and people have been taking them. I wanted
to to thank public works for putting a loose site box, a plastic box out at the new uh historic park uh where we have these where you can pick them up so people can pick them up anytime of the
day. We also have them here and we also put them out when we have tables out for the public. Um I don't know that there's anything else I could uh I could tell you about the map. Yes. I'm I'm glad to hear that that you'd like to have it here. We
would like to have it here, too. One of the problems with this building is wall space because everything seems to be either a door or a window. But, uh, if we can >> UV protected glass, >> it's uh, it is. And I believe that it's there's some treatment that's between
the glass and and the map that helps to preserve it from any further damage. I should mention that the project was not just unrolling the map, but it was also digitizing the map and having a good copy made that if we're going to go out
someplace like to know about the um Field of Dreams or something like that and we want to put it on display that we're not taking this and and exposing it to the weather. Uh and because we have it digitized, we can also make copies of it. So there's a possibility
that we might be able to make those available to the the public for a a fee. Um >> that's [clears throat] nice. >> So that's helpful. Uh we we put in our um we put in our final report for last year. So far I haven't heard anything
negative um from the county um about the uh the grant and how we handled everything. And um as as Fern uh talked about for this year, we put in a grant to to get that uh sneak box stabilized,
not made seaworthy, not floatable, but so that it doesn't fall apart when we move it on a trailer from, you know, one place to another. So um we put in a grant for that. We got the estimate from the Independent
Seapport Museum in Philadelphia that has a a wonderful boat shop and they gave us they gave us a uh uh estimate and based on the estimate we asked for a $10,000 grant. What happened was that we got the
the grant but it came in for 68. You have the number for 6,700. >> Yeah. 68 something. Yes. and uh which is more money than we've ever gotten through the county, but it wasn't enough to to complete the grant. So, since
then, we put in for uh some ancillary money um matching money from the one one-time basis from the township so that we can do the whole vote because you can't really do twothirds of a vote. You have to kind of do all of it or none of
it. So, that's where we are with that. uh any questions that you have. Uh I do I I also wanted to um mention that from the uh joint land use board that uh uh Steven Lure is going to be our uh our
liaison person. We're very pleased to have Stephen back with us. Uh as we're pleased having Fern as our our liazison of the township committee. So, any questions that you folks might have of what trouble we're getting into these days?
>> No, I think you're doing a great job and I want to thank you for those pictures you sent me because we did identify that house boat that >> So, it was your grandfather's house that it wasn't complete. It didn't have the roof yet. >> Oh, if you look at it, you can see it doesn't have the roof on it. But, so he
did build it there and then he moved it around to the Delaware with his skiff. >> Yeah. as as we used to tell the story that he built it on the Delaware River front uh on the on cinder blocks basically. But what we found was a
historical photo of the Rancokus Creek that shows the boat under construction at the shipyard >> at the shipyard >> on uh on the Rancokus Creek and then evidently they floated it around and then brought it uh hauled it up >> on the Stockton's property. Yeah, that was my grandfather's housebo. that's
where they lived for uh >> so when I took a look at a picture I said this hospital looks awfully familiar and I sent it to Kate and she identified >> yeah that thank you that was we really appreciated that I shared that with my brother we had a nice conversation about that thank you >> very good okay well no questions undone
thanks >> thank you Peter thank you John >> so I'll open the meeting to the public for comments and questions this is general session Um, session two. >> Okay. I have a a few I have a Harold
Klinger, 509 Buttonwood Street. I have a few questions about the snow and the storm and stuff like that. So, I seen some stuff online, whether it's official, unofficial, that was like $250
fine for not clearing your sidewalk. And uh I was wondering if that's correct. It is $250 or does anybody know? >> No. What they would do is they would issue a citation and then you would have
to appear before municipal court and the judge would make a determination. Oh, so it could be a million dollars. [laughter] >> Yeah, I don't think so. >> Okay. So, uh so this storm was uh pretty unique. Uh
now I have a fairly large property. I mean, not like Donald Trump, but a large property. And I'm on the corner and I have, you know, over a hundred feet over 100 feet one way and over 100 feet the other way.
And that thing I was lucky to have a uh a snowb blower at the time and did it the first time with a snowblower, but then it just came right back down again. And then the freezing rain right on top of it and the thing was ice skating ring and the snowb blower was not going to
work on it. So, I had to get out there with a steel shovel and break the ice and shovel it away. And that took me
two days and it almost killed me. Uh, I'm 74 years old. I'm in pretty good shape for 74, but I'm not in that kind of shape. So, I don't think I'm ever going to do that again. I don't care
how much STO comes down or what ordinance. I don't think I'm going to do that again. So, it it would be nice if the township uh could maybe put out some information on where to get contractors
to come and remove snow and once they're actually going to show up and do it. because, you know, they're saying they're going to come and do it and then get in the storm like that and then they might not show up and then I
don't want to end up in court. Um, the other thing I saw was that there was put out by the emergency uh messages on on on the phones. It said,
"Don't be uh shoveling your sidewalk and putting it out into the street," which I understand, but uh in some cases,
especially right where I live on my street, uh across the street from me is is a dental office, which used to be the township uh building. So there's all that parking there next
to that building and it's mostly used by renters from on Burlington Avenue and uh maybe a few few renters on on Buttonwood Street. And so they went out and shoveled their
cars out uh after the storm. And all they did was they didn't put it in the street. They threw it right up on the guy's sidewalk that the uh the sidewalk that he already had his sidewalks done and now they're throwing it back on top
of his sidewalk because they really don't have any, you know, uh I don't know what would you say, you know, anything that holds them instead of town. They're just runners.
So, I don't know what happens in that case if uh if you've done your sidewalks and then you next next thing you know your sidewalks are filled again
by people that don't even live there. Uh I don't I don't know what happens with that. But uh >> I don't know if they can file a complaint. I don't know, Chief. >> Well, they would have to. I mean, it's not your property. the individual uh the
person whose property was this the snow was uh put back on they would have to file a complaint. >> Yeah, it gets pretty crazy after a while. >> It is. And this was a very unusual as you said unusual storm and uh there's
just no place to put the snow. You heard John, >> right? >> He's clear in the streets and he has nowhere to put the snow. So, >> I understand that. So, I I guess what I'm really saying is the ordinance has no empathy
for what's going on on the sidewalks, >> but the township does the township hasn't enforced it for a week. So, >> yeah, >> I I I heard that. I understand that. But I was just >> You didn't leave it that though. >> Trying to give you my personal experience from a snowstorm. And and I I
think how that the the whole motivation of having an ordinance and having fines is for people to do the right thing because you have some houses on Burlington Avenue uh right between Magnolia and Peach Tree. It's a week now and kids are slipping on the ice and the snow there because two and two or three
homeowners have decided they're too good not to clear the snow. If everyone if 90% of the town is able to do it, you should be able to do it. Not you specifically, but >> Well, I'm just saying that I did see people reaching out uh from the town
uh the usual way on Facebook saying that they're too old. They can't go out and remove that ice. They were asking for help from anybody that could help them. So, I don't know if those people there on Magnolia that case or or wherever
they're from, but I know there were people out there that that could not move that stuff and uh you know, and and whether they could get help and and in my understanding uh uh
people that have people under contract all the time, they were having a hard time getting anybody to come and do anything because it was so that >> well I think that's really why the township extended the time period uh to give people more time and it is a
difficult it it's difficult it would be difficult for anyone to remove that the ice was almost 3 in thick if it was still on top of the snow uh and it was heavy um and I don't know what the township can do other than um try to
enforce the ordinance but give some extensions in some cases. But we need to provide safety for the people that have to walk, >> right? >> And especially the school children. Um, but if we can compile a list of contractors, uh, people have contractors
that they hired and some of them didn't show up. I mean, I know some people that had contractors to do their driveways. They didn't show up. They were too busy. They were overwhelmed. Right? So, it was a let let's hope we don't have to >> have something like this happen again in
town. But, um, believe me, your message is heard because we've heard it from more than one person. >> Yeah. >> You know, I had a neighbor. >> We haven't had this in 20 years. >> Exactly. Exactly. So, um, >> well, not not only the amount of snow,
but the the ice factor on compounding it. Um the other thing I will say is that you know these ordinances are in place but they're also we have the ability as happened here to apply rational extensions
>> judges have compassion if you have reasons as to you know what what you tried to do and what what worked and didn't work to resolve it. I will say, you know, we have an experience where, John, I don't know if you remember this, but we actually added provisions to the ordinance to specifically say you can't
basically plow your snow back out and put it in the middle of the street on the theory that the plow's going to come back around and do it. We might be done. Has happened one time. So, you know, you legislate sometimes for the 1% that don't think about the rest of the community and everybody gets impacted by
that. Um but uh I don't want I wouldn't recommend any changes based upon what we just experienced because it's it was such a unique storm. >> Yeah. >> And every town was in the same situation on every Facebook page. Everybody was complaining and there's only so much that the they could do with the way the
snow came down with the ice and the ineffectiveness of salt under 15 degrees. So I think everybody did the best they could. Um, >> right. I agree. I I think everybody did the best they could >> and uh
>> but I just wanted to, you know, bring the point that, you know, some people just can't do it. >> Understood. >> All right. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else? I'll close this portion of the meeting
to the public and we'll go into our discussion items. And uh the first item is amending the township code chapter 238-7. It's the shade tree appeal process. Um
John, do you have a copy of it >> for the Yeah. What um what we're proposing is to cuz that process is after two or more visits to the Sha Tree
Commission is if I recall this properly properly that um they can appeal to the township, they appeal it to the documentation to the administrator. um they have 30 days to give any additional information if the
administrator needs something more and then the administrator uh presents it to the township committee. So what we are proposing is um and maybe I should have Doug actually do
it because I asked him to >> I'll just I'll just add that in in the interim step two I look back at the statute. There's nothing in the statute that speaks about what the mandatory appeal process is. And I looked at other municipal codes.
Um, some have very limited appeal or don't speak to the appeal process at all, which basically means if you're not happy with shade tree, I assume I assume you go right to to court, which is not very uh efficient. Um but uh based upon that
review and the discussion and concerns, it just isn't a very efficient process that we have on the books right now. And so the the proposed amendment would to basically be an appeal subcommittee that would consist of the township
administrator, the uh uh public works supervisor and the shade tree commission liaison from the governing body. So those three people would receive the
information and um have the ability to meet whether in person or virtually and make a determination and then that will be put down in writing and circulated back uh to both the Shady Street Commission and to the
uh resident. You know, we sat through I think those hearings took probably an hour and then they came back a second time. So it's just I I I couldn't find any other count who's doing it that way. I don't think
generally governing bodies should be in a quasi judicial appeal type process. So this seemed to be um a mechanism where we could still have an appeal process in place, have people who have some sense of both, you know, tree issues and
public works issues, safety issues, those sorts of things. And uh poor Deborah stuck in the middle of that. and then you know try and come to some fair resolution if appeals and it would be a faster process less cumbersome for everybody involved
>> right John you want to come up and address it >> I can give you a copy of it if you want but >> I'll have >> okay >> yeah John Brown 313 Peach Street hello again first while I have the pulpit good job on getting a female officer that was
one of my goals and uh never was able to do it so We need it. >> Definitely. >> Good job. >> Okay. Uh the appeals process, Doug, we we did this Fern Kate, uh we were on the board and we batted this around for a
year and a half, I think, uh to what are we going to do with the shade tree ordinance. And it was at the very end of writing this that we made some uh consignments, I think that's the word, that we had to give back. Okay? you guys can simply pull it out if you
don't want to deal with the appeal. Pull it out. We never had it before. Okay? So, trust your shade tree uh folks who are educated uh who continually get educated and uh the shade tree professional uh Kevin Sibilia. Uh we don't just throw decisions out there.
The other night two trees were slated to come down. I didn't agree with it, but they did and I was overruled. Uh I know the appeal process was in its early stages last year. It was kind of stressful. Um, take it out. Okay. Um, that's one idea.
The other idea I have, I I wish that maybe we could sit subcommittee to subcommittee, two people from the shade tree, two people from the township committee. Let's sit down and talk about what we can do, okay, to make it better for everybody. Uh maybe maybe Deborah
could be there uh before we go back into uh you know, first reading of any ordinance change. Okay. Uh because right now is the way I see it, you don't uh the way that I read it, you're you're not going to welcome back the homeowner.
And I would think that if they're the ones to appeal the decision that they should have that right to speak to you so they can uh tell you their side of of the story, what their problem is. Okay? And vice versa where the shait tree
commissioners, they can also tell you what they have found. So, I was a little bit surprised uh you know when this was on the agenda for tonight. Hence, that's why I'm here. Um Doug, my question since I mean if we do get a subcommittee going, you won't be there. >> But appeal
>> already been uninvited. >> You're too pricey. Uh >> we always try to cut you out if we can. >> He's a bargain compared to >> He's a bar. Oh, I'm sure. >> Yeah. But in in an appeal in a court of law, doesn't the appellant and the defendant all have a right to go back to
an appeals court? >> So this so the statute doesn't provide for any appeal process, >> right? >> Due process can be whatever we rationally define it to be. >> Okay. >> So I think again like some towns don't talk about it at all. And I think you were referencing I think our code
originally probably took that approach. And to me that's you're basically telling a resident if you're not happy with the shade tree commission there's no internal appeal process. You have to go right to superior court on a formal complaint. That's that's very expensive
proposition. Right. So >> yeah but they they can do that with a land use board decision too >> right. But but usually what's at issue with a land use board decision and this is why people make economic decisions all the time. But depending on how much is at stake financially, they may find
it worthwhile to go to court versus it be difficult in my mind to imagine that there's going to be a lot of instances where yeah, >> someone's going to spend the money to go to court on a tree issue. >> And so then the issue just becomes like, okay, we've allowed for some sort of appeal process. How do we do this more efficiently? And that's kind of the
discussion that's been had. But we do, you know, excuse me one second. I want to get my uh I do I have worried about that meal process because it really does give the homeowner that, you know, they can go to bat twice, strike out, and then they can come before the board and the board has
more important things to do than listening to a tree. So, I do understand that. >> And I think that's why the homeowner would still be a part of the appeal process. I think you had originally said that we cut them out. We didn't cut them out, but but the other three people
would be the township administrator, the superintendent of public works, and the liaison to your board, >> right? >> The township liaison to your board, >> but then we're all out of it. Well, the township liaison, whoever that may be, whether it be me, Carolyn, Matt,
>> we had Vern and uh he did a great job a couple years ago, Mike Templeton, and uh we didn't really have the appeals until last year. I don't think we had one. And uh >> we had you guys are actually winning. You got a winning record, so why are you trying to get rid of it? >> So, I I think Debbie, do you want to
interject of kind of how the additional information will be presented? >> Yeah. Um it does the change does allow for reasonable request for additional information. So I read that as contacting the homeowner and and talking to them >> or even shade tree if we needed
>> absolutely either liaison should represent what your majority feels uh is the decision. So liaison shouldn't have their own opinion in that in that um >> at least be able to articulate and convey what the reasons were. Sha tree. >> Yeah. You know, made a decision they made.
>> Yeah. I mean, back in the day, we didn't have liaison to all these boards. We had director of this, director of that, >> you know. I mean, you even though you're sitting in on the meetings now, uh, back liaison weren't always there. So, you have to lean. Listen, I I as chair lean
on our professionals. I lean on Bill Matt Levage. You know, he's a lot smarter than I am. And, uh, you know, we make our decisions based on that. And then if it gets thrown to you guys, wouldn't wouldn't you want thatformational maybe have the appeals at a different time like in uh in the conference room
during the week or something? That's why I say maybe maybe we should have a subcommittee meeting and try to lay out all the parameters. I got to go back to my board and say, "Hey, we got this in front of us." >> Well, >> I didn't even hear about it until >> I think it's a better I think it's a better process than what's on the books
right now. And it would um it would I think it would be just a better process. >> I just want to make everybody happy including the residents. >> Exactly. And that gives the resident an opportunity to supply the information
and any additional information. If if the if the the subcommittee for the appeal process wants to reach out to Sharee for any additional information, but they have your minutes, which would be part of it. They would have the application
uh from the resident. I mean, all that information is provided. It's part of the appeal process. So, they would have all of that. They would have Kevin's report. All of that is is part of the package. I understand what John's saying though because I feel like we did ask
them questions when they were here that weren't addressed um like initially. So I understand what he's saying as far as maybe we have a specific question while we have the meeting. Do we have to pick up the phone and call at that point or do we just make it to where the subcommittee can bring in a rep from the
Chry Commission and then the homeowner to that meeting if they so chose to? We would still have that option. >> I think we could still work on this. Okay. Right now we don't have any being debated. We don't have growth yet. Uh but we will. You know, spring is around
the corner. Yes, I said it. Spring. >> And uh God bless you with the snow removal because I remember sitting up there hear makulla. Boy, he would chair. >> We mentioned him. His chair was this where we're house sitting right now. That was
>> every snow. >> That was Ralph McCulla's chair. I actually had a label made for his chair if you recall, John. Yeah. >> Yeah. It it's it's really tough. >> And John and his crew. >> Yeah. >> When's your next shade tree?
>> Would be the fourth Wednesday of February. >> Oh, February. >> So, is there any other comments, John, before I ask the the committee what they want to do? >> Yeah. Uh, you know, the other the other option, and I only bring this up because
Doug is here, but it has been discussed before. Everyone's unhappy with the Sha Tree Commission. Okay. I uh had talked to Carolyn. I said, "You guys could always disband us, you know, go to a Sha Tree Committee, but then we're losing a lot, aren't we?"
>> Well, I think we ought to talk about what we would lose and what whether there's enough there that is of concern. You could still have a shade tree advisory board, which to me gets to do all the good stuff without having to
deal with the the tree process. The issue then becomes we'd have to have somebody inhouse at the at the township level who deals with tree removal requests. So, >> and you don't want that. >> Well,
>> well, look at John. Do they want that? >> What? What? Another snowstorm. >> John's taking the fifth. >> I mean, I will say like what the are going to push it on me and then I'll >> Yeah. Well, see, I've always felt the Shade Tree Commission is a buffer to John. Okay. We can't just let the
homeowners contact him directly or or fill out a form. >> It wouldn't necessarily be John. >> It have to be somebody who's got some training in >> tree issues, but there's towns who have people who deal with the tree permits. >> Yeah. It it what you're looking for is
common sense. >> Sense. Exactly. >> If everything was common sense, we wouldn't have any ordinances on the books at all. >> I would just ask maybe consider a subcommittee meeting so that my board members, we know we're going to work on it together. We can come together on
this and make your decision and not uh >> Yeah, I think >> I remember that appeal process, man. We we kind of put that together in the end, but you know, it's like we had to give something back to the homeowner. So >> yeah, and I think it's I think it's important. I I don't think you should just drop it. >> Okay.
>> I really think it's important. And if you feel I mean I also feel that the shade tree commission has some value to Deleno uh because the Tree City USA and >> we've been doing a lot of good work >> and there are some other um
>> ground last year. We got the we got the list caught up. >> Uh just a couple little things I got to talk to John about, but other than that, we're moving right along. So, >> so u >> thanks for your time folks and >> you're welcome John. So do you uh you want to set up a subcommittee u to
discuss it and we would take two members maybe from your board and two members from >> I'm sure we could do it during the day >> from our township >> out now and Amber I know she works but I think she works out of home so >> I think Fridays are good for her maybe. >> Okay. Yeah, we should sit down and talk.
All right guys, thank you. Thank you John. >> Thank you John for your comments. Um, the next item is the Centennial Celebration Seal. I guess everybody got a copy of this. Um, I did send it to Susan to take a look at
cuz I think it's a little busy and a little dark, but she was in a car accident. Um, and she hasn't really been able to do too much. So, >> well, it's much darker when you print it like that than the actual >> I just think it's a little too busy. Um,
if you can lighten it up somehow. Um, >> that's my comments. Um, um, I like the sailboat because I'm a sailor. >> See how what it looks like on my screen? It's much lighter. >> Yeah. I Can you even lighten it up a
little more? Like, um, I just think it's too dark. >> This has black. Yeah. >> Your eyes. >> It's pretty dark. >> That one. That's better than this. Yeah, this is pretty dark. >> Yeah, it's much lighter. It's actually
really light. Um there's my resolution turned up. So, >> yeah, that's better. Yeah, this is really >> Yeah, that's very dark. Um >> it is pretty light. And it's the actual red, white, and blue of the flag, >> right? >> It's the authentic colors. So, you don't want to lighten it up anymore. Then it
wouldn't actually look great. And we're we're also picturing a sunset. So, >> yeah. Susan Susan's comment was because I just sent it to her. I said, "We're looking at this." Cuz Susan did this. Susan Matira did our seal. Um, so I wanted her comments. Um, and she thought
it was um too busy and too dark, too. So, um, Susan, >> I don't I don't really I mean, I respect Susan, but I don't really >> Yeah, but she's a graphic artist. >> Yeah, she should be the only one. >> Yeah. I don't know how anybody There
were my comments. Anybody else have any comments? >> Well, I like the idea of the bridge being there. Uh because we have the bridge that goes >> bridge >> blanko to riverside, >> right? >> Uh you got the sailboat. Uh >> there's no tree. [laughter]
>> There's no tree, John. >> Yeah, that one has trees. Um are are we trying to represent 20 26 or we looking at >> No, we're representing the lango. >> Okay.
>> The time frame. Well, a hundred years. So, that bridge has been there for how long, right? >> Yeah. Okay. >> Much longer than the railroad bridge. That's not ours. >> Yeah, that's the railroad bridge. And the sailboat and the creek. >> And that's not ours either. >> We don't we can't put the mansion on there. That's not ours. >> No. >> So, like what what's our landmark, so to
speak, the bridge? >> So, the bridge it Yeah. And um >> maybe >> maybe take the >> maybe lighten it up like having the flag just on the border and not on the inside. Does anybody else have any
comments? Am I the only one? >> I sent it to Phil and Matt. They both like >> I looked at it. >> Okay. >> I don't have What do you think? Yeah. Um, yeah, I didn't really notice the the flags on the outside versus the
inside. I just thought it sort of carried over, but yeah. Um, >> I think the printer just definitely makes it look darker than it actually is. >> Yeah, that's probably what it is. So, if you can definitely make sure that it's a lighter view,
>> cuz I just you look on the screen, it's much lighter than when they print. You look at the sky, you look at a water >> and it looks 10 times better than this to me. Cuz when I printed this, I thought, "Oh my god, that's >> Yeah. No, that looks terrible." >> Yeah. Okay. All right. So, is everybody
in agreement with it then? Cuz I know that Caroline wants to get going with that. >> I'm good. >> Um and and why we mentioned the bridge, I received a telephone call today from George Nicot from the uh bridge commission. He's a consultant with them
now. and uh they finally uh went out to contract for the repairs that are necessary for the Riverside Delanco Bridge uh which they hope those um repairs will start in 2 weeks. I said, "Well, George, the creek is solid." I
said, "The it's tidal water, but I live right here. It's not moving. It's not going up and down. It's it's got to be I don't know how deep it's frozen, but anyway, uh they are going to start repairing it. It needs those pilings need to be done. They have trees in
between them and hopefully it will be painted but not until maybe the end of summer they'll start the painting. Um but that was a nice phone call. I've been working on that for 20 years getting that bridge repainted and uh fixed up. So hope things take a long
time in government. It's it's unbelievable. But uh so we're okay with the Senate. We don't need a Do we need a resolution or vote or anything? Good. Okay. Carolyn, thank you. Um and we certainly don't need a resolution
for executive session. Does anybody else have any comments? >> Mayor, I'm sorry. >> Yeah, I I saw something during during the meeting. Um I'm not sure if everyone's aware or not, but the D um
approved the new stormwater management rules. >> Oh yeah. >> Called the real rules. >> Oh yes, definitely. >> It's a resilient environments and landscapes is what real stands for. Real is called real. >> Um and the reason why I'm bringing it up
is regard to 401 Creek. Um what the new rules they're very technical. there's a lot involved with it. Um, but being on that there's two different areas, the title area and non-title. Um, in in the title areas, it's actually a little bit
more lax than the non-title as far as a 354 core storm motor design. Um, but essentially what it does is it creates a what what they're calling a flood hazard zone. um they add four feet to FEMA's
100year flood zone. Um so essentially it's the 100-y year flood zone in um on Grand Focus is 10. So the elevation of 14 and what that means it doesn't mean you can't build in there just if you build
in there. It has to be blood resistant um or actually blood proof resistant and an engineering report should have to be done showing that that it is um so it really wouldn't affect our our local ordinance right now requires the same thing. Our local ordinance requires
the 4 ft above the FEMA elevation right finish first floor and um so it wouldn't affect the height of the building. There are some infrastructure issues, but there's nothing overly substantial that that would prevent any development on
that property. >> Okay. >> Um, and for the public, this does not affect anyone who has flood insurance. It does not affect your your flood insurance at all. Um, your flood the flood zone is covered by FEMA. Um, so that would stay exactly the same.
It's not affected by that. It's it's essentially a new development. um has to be built to withstand a flood. And again, it doesn't mean you can't build in that zone. It just has to be built and and an engineer report.
>> So basically kind of like you told us last year. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Pretty much what? Yep. >> Yep. There there was a lot of comments and they revived. Originally was 5T and they that way comments down the four feet. >> Um >> and that's just living space, right? Like you could have a garage under that. >> Habitable space.
>> Habitable space. Yeah. So, okay, >> that's good. Thanks, Harry. >> Any anything else? >> Yes. uh with our uh meeting agendas and we post them on the official uh bulletin
board here in inside the building. And I would like us to consider using uh for the township committee meetings to post it on the bulen board outside the door because our agendas get posted uh normally on Friday afternoons and no one
can get in the building till Monday. So uh if we put it outside the building and bolton boards out there at least people can drive up and read the agenda. uh not the you know I guess the uh >> just the the three or four pages
>> right the three or four pages there >> isn't it posted online >> not everybody goes online you know >> yeah okay and uh again we tell people go to the official bulletin board in town or at >> well that's because that's what the statute says we have to say
>> well okay we say it but let's uh you know let's be upfront and just put it out there >> you have a comment >> I mean that's we certainly could do that but our our agenda are not posted on the report. >> Yeah, they're they don't they're not required to be posted ahead of time. We do put them on the um on the website,
but I mean we can certainly make them available. Um we did have someone came in today before I had a chance to print them and ask for it, so we printed it for them. >> Yeah. >> So, anyone can can always request it ahead of time, but um we're not required by statute to have them >> to have the only thing on the Wolfen
board is the the annual schedule. the meeting or when they're when they're uh adopted, [clears throat] we post those um minutes um between the time that they're post they're adopted approved by all of you >> and they go on the website there. We put them out there >> with the agenda's on the website.
>> The agenda's on the website. Yes. But it's not required to be on the website or >> Okay. So, how many people here by raise of hands, how many people are get our email blasts? every everybody should have their hand
raised that that just about everybody does because uh Deleno Township sends out emails for everything that's happening in town, everything that if there's an issue and then you can go on the website to get the agenda. But if
you if you think helping to put this out front, I wouldn't I don't know if you want to put put it in every one because it's going to be three or four pages. So, it's going to take up a lot, but maybe we could just put it on the bulletin board out front. >> Yeah, just right off the top. >> And let the do an email blast that
anybody's interested in what's happening, they can visit the agenda at the bulletin board on town hall. Yes. >> If they're getting an email blast, they just >> Are you talking about the stuff that comes over the emergency management? >> No, I'm talking about Delanco. and go on
delankottownship.com and if you look on that screen on the right hand side down the bottom you can sign up for our emails you can put your email address in there and you will get everything that's happening in this town
everything that's happening in the library every event about trash and recycling I mean people that go on Facebook to say is the trash collection today or tomorrow. I mean, we
send emails out for all of that. And if you got that email address, you would be up to date on everything that's happening in this with regard to the town, the library, and any other entity that tells us that they would like to be included in our what's happening.
>> I've answered my question because I'm getting information from all kinds of places and I'm saying, is this officially from the township or what? No, I know where. >> Yes. And I'm sure Jackie can help you sign up for that.
>> And if you aren't signed up for our emails, you should be. Definitely. >> Yeah. And the uh emergency alerts you're talking about, how that's the ones that I send out from OEM. Those are completely independent from the township ones. We send them out through a program called Kexus that the county runs. It
sends it out via text, um, email. We have it connected to the social media. and we tried doing the call you by phone but for some reason it didn't work this past error some people had decided to hang up and say error uh but it had a nice recording in in case and espanol uh
so um that's a completely separate system from the township uh mailers >> okay Peter >> yeah just a quick question which one announced when when we have breached closings because of the flood >> none is that
>> Nixel I thought it was Nixon. >> The county promised that they were going to be sending that out last year and they didn't. >> I have one I have one that tells me when the bridges are going to be closed. >> Yes. Not the Deleno Bridge though. >> Not they haven't had a closing since.
>> Well, they also that's not part of next. >> I think it is. >> They haven't had the closing for the flooding. They've had plenty of closings for boats and they were supposed to >> the the Burlington County Bridge Commission said that they were going to send the notifications out. They told Riverside PD that and Riverside blasted
to their residents, but then they just dropped the ball. >> Well, I guess I'll I'll talk to the bridge commission about that again. And the chief uh I wanted to let you know that uh George did say that the county the bridge commission will be in touch with you because they may have closings.
>> That's right. Yeah, he's going to be in touch with you. >> I spoke to him. >> Oh, did you? Oh, good. Okay. >> They called me yesterday actually at the end of the year. >> Yeah. >> Early and then I told him he needed a month. >> Okay. >> So, yeah, it's coming >> for the work. Okay. Good. >> No, this is on a bridge.
>> Usually. >> Exactly, Peter. >> Okay. >> They're supposed to anyway. >> Yeah. I thought they were supposed to be on Mixel, but I forgot about the bridge openings. The bridge openings like that. I can't imagine how they can do that
because that bridge opens from 11 to 11 in the morning now. It's only 8 at night. It used to be 24 hours at one time. So, that is not something that they can notify us on for a boat. >> Yeah. For the for a regular like a boat opening, that's only >> five minutes.
>> Five minutes. Yeah. But for flooding and storms, they were supposed to send out and they dropped a ball on that. >> Yeah. >> Well, they don't close it half the time. the police do and they >> Yeah, that's the problem. >> It didn't get closed this past year for that to I mean I live right there. I see it. Yes, John.
>> I don't know if I sent a letter to them where or just general if if we could have their camera facing Pavilion Avenue. I know there's a marina in Florida with fish that jump out. You can go on their camera at any time. But running a business, when my customers
call from over the bridge and they want to know if they can get over here, I don't know what to tell them. But if I could go online and take a look at that camera and say, "Yeah, you don't want to go that way today. You want to go up to Edward Martin." I don't know how far that is, but it's not Martin came. >> You can call M Scott. He always knows.
>> Yeah. We We actually [laughter] asked them if we could actually get access to the bridge cameras to have online and we were >> our hand [laughter] was snapped and said, "No, they're for official police business only." >> We can't trust those barriers anymore
because you know, they're up and and it's been open. But I see cars coming both ways. >> Yeah, I was actually thinking last year of a way that we could do that and I was going to talk to a couple property owners who are around there with a Shirley for her business that's uh right
there or any of them that butt up to uh the creek. Even Kate's house if we could put a camera out there on her porch >> or put one on Gateway Park online. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> We want internet that we can >> got one on his back. >> Or you could put one on my Yeah. to see
the flood if it's flood. >> It's Riverside. >> It doesn't flood in floods in Riverside. >> The camera from Kate's house is not getting >> No, you're not going to see the bridge closed. >> You'll just see the bridge. >> Not necessarily. Cars are coming or not.
Yeah. >> No, you'll still see cars coming over the bridge cuz people are idiots and they will drive through the water and get stuck. But somebody might make it so someone else thinks I can make it, too. Yeah. >> So, you'll see a car come across the bridge where that sign is up cuz it is closed. >> Yeah.
>> But it's flooded over Riverside at Dammer Scott Street. You're not seeing it from >> K. You have a lifted F350 going through the water and then the little guy with his little Honda >> thinks he can make it. >> Yeah. Yeah. And then he's get stuck in the water. Yeah. It's It's not happening. >> I'll look into that, John.
>> Okay. And uh and Scott, he's going to look into it, too. Yeah. >> I don't know Scott. >> Well, uh it's M. Scott right now. >> Yes. Okay. Scott. >> All right. Is there a motion to adjurnn? >> Please. >> I'll make a motion. Second. >> Okay. Second. All in favor?
>> I. Thank you everyone. [laughter]